The president of Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club was named one of the most influential disabled people in the UK at a reception.

Asif Iqbal was recognised in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List during a ceremony at the South Bank Centre on October 17.

The list is compiled by an independent judging panel chaired by Kate Nash, the world's leading authority in 'Networkology' - the science behind the growth of the workplace.

Asif, who was born deaf, has spent his career in the public and not for profit sectors working alongside central government to increase representation for deaf and disabled people.

He is also the chair of Hearing Loss Professionals UK Network, an ambassador for the government equalities office and sat on advisory boards for the British Council, the Runnymede Trust, the department of transport and the department for work and pensions.

The Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club has been running for almost ten years and Asif has led various initiatives to improve access - like working with Harrow Council to sign up to the British Sign Language (BSL) Charter.

He also successfully influenced the Greater London Authority to adopt the BSL Charter in 2016.

Asif Iqbal said: “I am honoured to be recognised for my public services. It has always been my belief and value to support and empower others, enabling them to have a voice in accessing services and influencing the decision makers.

“Being deaf, I have overcome several barriers in my life journey, I have greater empathy and encourage others to work together for better changes and achieve their full potential.”

Nick Bell, interim chief executive of Shaw Trust said: “Congratulations to Asif. The judges were beyond impressed by the standard of nominations but selected the most influential people who are proving that disability or impairment is not a barrier to success.”

The full Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List can be found here www.disabilitypower100.com